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Description
Make crispy, spicy fried chicken at home with this recipe. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5–3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, wings)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using) in a separate bowl.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing to coat. Shake off excess.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3-4 chicken pieces at a time for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and place on a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
- Repeat with remaining chicken. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil temperature remains consistent.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 32 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg